Student Experience: Matilda The Musical

Theatre Studies student and talented young actor Jack Malone shares his experience of a College trip to London:

Matilda The Musical is the latest sensation to show in the West End and College were hot on its tracks organising a trip to London, students needed to see what the fuss was about! Written for stage by comedian Tim Minchin it is, of course, based on the classic children’s novel Matilda by Roald Dahl.

We left sunny Liverpool in the morning and boarded a train off to London! Arriving at Euston Station early in the afternoon we took a quick break and set off on foot to Covent Garden. After 40 minutes of 'Are we there yet?' and 'Lisa! Wait for Victoria!', we got to our destination. The Cambridge Theatre was a terrific sight. We were all so excited and couldn't wait to get in there. But not before we decided where to meet the teachers after the show (Cafe Nero, Cafe Nero, and Cafe Nero in case you are wondering). We ran into The Cambridge and got settled in our seats.

The set for Matilda is amazing! Huge colourful scrabble squares frame the stage. Spelling out words like phenomenon, spangly and cake! The show started and it was instant ear to ear grins from the whole audience! From the horrible Wormwoods to the sweet Miss Honey every character was the embodiment of a Quentin Blake illustration. The songs and choreography were wonderful and the characters were hilarious! The highlight of the production was Charles Brunton who played the Terrible Miss Trunchbull! Played by a man, this tyrannical teacher was a joy to watch. 
 

After the show a few of us went to stage door and met some of the cast. Everyone was very nice and they were more than willing to sign our programmes to help us remember the day!  Following our rendezvous with the famous cast we had time for dinner before we set off back to Euston. It was a pleasant journey back, despite a bit of travel sickness and a pair of grumpy ladies, and we were all pretty tired.

It was such a fun trip. I've seen Matilda three times now and I'm already planning my next visit! The show is pure joy and I encourage anyone to see it.

Thank you Performing Arts Department for a great day out!